excite

verb

ex·​cite ik-ˈsīt 

ek-

excited; exciting

transitive verb

1

a

: to call to activity

b

: to rouse to an emotional response

scenes to excite the hardest man to pity

c

: to arouse (something, such as a strong emotional response) by appropriate stimuli

excite enthusiasm for the new regime

—Arthur Knight

2

a

: energize

excite an electromagnet

b

: to produce a magnetic field in

excite a dynamo

3

: to increase the activity of (something, such as a living organism) : stimulate

drugs that excite the central nervous system

4

: to raise (an atomic nucleus, an atom, a molecule, etc.) to a higher energy level

Synonyms of excite

• thrill
• electrify
• delight
• inspire

Choose the Right Synonym for excite

provoke, excite, stimulate, pique, quicken mean to arouse as if by pricking.

provoke directs attention to the response called forth.

my stories usually provoke laughter

excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly.

news that excited anger and frustration

stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference.

stimulating conversation

pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge.

that remark piqued my interest

quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively.

the high salary quickened her desire to have the job

Examples of excite in a Sentence

ideas that excite young people

Our announcement excited the children.

The posters excited much interest in the show.

Recent Examples on the Web

But what most excites astrophysicists is Roman’s potential for answering some of their biggest questions about the universe itself. —Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026

The Carolina Panthers have given quarterback Bryce Young a lot to be excited about as the team’s spring activities begin. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026

What excites us most is that both have the kind of discipline, presence and emotional intelligence that is already translating seamlessly into film and television. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026

This reduces the need for constant adult correction while allowing children to learn while exploring what excites them. —Jose Bolaños, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French exciter, from Latin excitare, from ex- + citare to rouse — more at cite

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for excite

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids Definition

excite

verb

ex·​cite ik-ˈsīt 

excited; exciting

1

: to stir up feeling in

ideas that excite young people

2

: to cause to be felt or done

excite admiration

posters excited interest in the show

3

a

: energize sense 2a

b

: to produce a magnetic field in

4

: to increase the activity of (as nervous tissue) : stimulate

5

: to raise (as an atom) to a higher energy level

exciter noun

Medical Definition

excite

transitive verb

ex·​cite ik-ˈsīt 

excited; exciting

1

: to increase the activity of (as a living organism) : stimulate

2

: to raise (as an atomic nucleus, an atom, or a molecule) to a higher energy level